URBANA, Ill. (Chambana Today) — As Cunningham Children’s Home enters its 131st year of service, staff and supporters are reflecting on the emotional heart of the work and the quiet moments of care that sustain it.
Chaplain Kate recently created space for staff to pause, reflect and acknowledge both the joy and the weight that comes with supporting children and families facing trauma. Through one-on-one conversations, shared walks and written reflections, she offers pastoral care to team members who often carry secondhand trauma while continuing to show up for those they serve.
In early January, the chapel was opened as a place of rest and reflection for staff, inviting them to bring both their pain and their joy. The gathering included reflection stations and shared prayers, offering an opportunity to name the emotional toll of the work while honoring the meaning found alongside it.
The moment came during a particularly heavy time, as Chaplain Kate spent time with the widower of Judy, a former Cunningham youth who grew up at the home in the 1960s. Judy often spoke about the sense of belonging she found at Cunningham, the relationships she formed with house parents and peers, and the hope and stability the experience gave her. She met her husband while living there, and the connection to Cunningham remained a meaningful part of her life long after she left.
Prayers during the chapel gathering were offered for the nation, for youth who are struggling, for staff members and for Judy’s family. Staff were reminded that every child served by Cunningham is worthy of being remembered and that the bonds formed through the organization can last a lifetime.